Introduction to the Stiffness
(Displacement) Method
Learning Objectives
➢ To define the stiffness matrix.
➢ To derive the stiffness matrix for a spring element.
➢ To demonstrate how to assemble stiffness matrices
into a global stiffness matrix.
➢ To illustrate the concept of direct stiffness method to
obtain the global stiffness matrix and solve a spring
assemblage problem;
➢ To describe and apply the different kinds of boundary
conditions relevant for spring assemblages.
The Stiffness (Displacement) Method
Assignment: 1
Solve the following Problems from the Book “A First Course in the
Finite Element Method” by Daryl L. Logan.
1. Problem: 2-2
2. Problem: 2-5
3. Problem: 2-10
4. Problem: 2-15
5. Problem: 2-16
6. Problem: 2-17